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Add to SafariWhen comparing Micca MB42X vs Mackie CR3, the Slant community recommends Micca MB42X for most people. In the question“What are the best bookshelf speakers for $100?” Micca MB42X is ranked 1st while Mackie CR3 is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Micca MB42X is:
These speakers can produce powerful bass despite the relatively small 4-inch woofer. The highs are slightly recessed and give way to the mids. This results in a sound signature that is smooth as the highs do not add harshness to the overall sound.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Produces high quality sound with elevated bass and more focus on the mids
These speakers can produce powerful bass despite the relatively small 4-inch woofer. The highs are slightly recessed and give way to the mids. This results in a sound signature that is smooth as the highs do not add harshness to the overall sound.
Pro Wide sound stage and amazing sound imaging thanks to the use of crossover technology
These speakers may be small, but they deliver a wide and enveloping sound stage that will definitely fill small to medium sized rooms with sound. Instrument separation is well defined and the details of the music are presented very well. This is thanks to the use of crossover technology which separates the sound signal input into 2; one signal path is dedicated to the tweeter and the other to the woofer. This results in optimal sound reproduction from these two parts without them "clashing" with each other.
Pro Looks sleek due to its classic and minimalistic styling
These speakers look really clean and sexy. This is achieved through the combination of a matte black finish and the carbon fiber material on the woofer, which gives the speaker an understated but noticeable bling.
Pro Can easily fit on desks or home theater setups thanks to compact size
These speakers can be placed on small to medium sized desks without too much difficulty thanks to the small and no-nonsense cabinet design. These speakers can also easily fit in cramped home theater shelves or desks, making them quite versatile in terms of where you can place them and how you can position them.
Pro Easy to attach speaker covers due to the use of magnets
It is very easy to attach these speakers' covers if you want an even simpler and understated look to them. The covers are magnetic so you can just have the cover come into contact with the speakers and they will simply lock in place. They always end up centered so you do not need to put in a lot of care to get the covers on just right.
Pro You can select what channel the main speaker will be
It’ll be easier for you to position the main speaker as you prefer. At the back of the main speaker is a switch that allows you to select if the main speaker will be left or right channel. The other speaker will automatically be set to the other channel.
Pro Clear sound with good bass levels
The highs are clear and have okay detail. The mids are not very forward but they sound natural and full. The bass is quite powerful and will give music a boomy and thumpy feel.
Pro Two analog input options to choose from
You’ll have some flexibility as to the source devices that you can use with these speakers. You can choose between TRS or RCA inputs.
Pro Loud volume output
Despite the small size, these speakers can output good volume levels, enough to fill a small room with sound.
Pro Foam isolation pads included
Excess vibrations from the speakers to your desk won’t be too much of a big issue. Instead of stick on rubber feet, the CR3 speakers come with foam isolation pads which are quite good at minimizing vibrations.
Cons
Con You will need to purchase speaker wires as they do not come with the package
You will have to shell out extra cash in order to connect these speakers to a receiver or amp, as the necessary wires are not included in the box.
Con Distortion can be audible on max volumes
Some distortion of the sound can be heard when running these speakers at max volumes for extended periods of time. This is due to the physical limitations of the speakers themselves, being quite compact in size. As such, these may not be the best speakers if you want to fill a large room with sound.
Con These are passive speakers so you need a separate amp or receiver to drive them
These speakers will not work when plugged directly into music sources such as computers or portable players. You need to connect these speakers to a speaker amplifier or audio receiver in order for them to work correctly.
Con No room compensation controls
You’ll have to take the extra time and effort to properly position these speakers. There are no bass compensation controls to adjust low-end output when positioning these speakers near a wall, so it’ll be much harder for you to get the proper bass response.
Con Bass can overpower the overall sound
The overall sound can get boomy and muddy. The bass is quite powerful so on bass-heavy tracks, the details of the music may be washed out.
